Steven Pressley has been appointed as the new head coach of Dundee FC, returning to Scottish football with a club where he already holds a strong personal connection.
The former Scotland international defender, who played under current Dundee technical director Gordon Strachan at Celtic, joins the Dens Park side after leaving his role as head of individual player development at Premier League club Brentford.
His appointment follows a comprehensive search process to replace Tony Docherty, who was sacked despite guiding Dundee to safety on the final day of the Scottish Premiership season.
At the weekend, it had emerged that Dundee were also in talks with Linfield boss David Healy, but Pressley ultimately emerged as the standout candidate, according to the club.
Reuniting with Gordon Strachan
Pressley, 51, will now work closely again with Gordon Strachan, who signed him as a player during his time as Celtic manager, a relationship that Dundee hope will bring continuity and a shared vision for player development.
Broad coaching experience
Pressley steps into the role with experience across Scottish, English, and European football.
He first entered coaching while still playing for Hearts, later becoming assistant to Scotland manager George Burley and taking on management spells at Falkirk, Coventry City, Fleetwood Town, Cypriot top-flight club Pafos, and Carlisle United.
While he suffered relegation with Falkirk, Pressley won praise for helping Coventry avoid the drop in League One despite the club entering administration.
Focus on young talent
As part of a wider restructure at Dens Park, David Longwell—former St Mirren assistant and experienced academy manager—has joined Dundee as technical manager, tasked with enhancing the club’s youth development strategy.
Longwell’s previous roles include academy manager posts at St Mirren, Orlando, New York, Shrewsbury Town, and Burnley, along with assistant coaching roles in both Scotland and England.
Immediate start despite holiday
Despite currently being on a pre-planned silver wedding anniversary holiday in the Far East, Pressley has already started work on preparations for Dundee’s new season.
With his close ties to Strachan and a renewed focus on player development, Dundee will be hoping Pressley’s appointment marks the start of an exciting new chapter at Dens Park.
